Airbag control unit with part number 98221VA220

What does the airbag control unit 98221VA220 do?

The airbag control unit 98221VA220 is the central control unit of the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides within a fraction of a second in the event of an accident which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. It monitors the system continuously and reports faults via the airbag warning light.

This monitoring runs in the background, even while the vehicle is driving without any noticeable problems. After an accident, the unit stores crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221VA220 fail?

Crash data is the most common cause: it is stored after an accident, even if no airbag has been triggered. Other causes can be aged components, cold solder joints, moisture, corrosion and voltage spikes. With this control unit, the crash data often cannot be deleted. If you would like the crash data deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

The following further causes are possible:

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start

How can you tell that the 98221VA220 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up continuously or intermittently and so indicates a defect. Also present are fault messages in the instrument cluster, a lack of connection to the diagnostic tool, and a fault memory that cannot be deleted.

• airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up continuously or intermittently
• fault message in the instrument cluster
• diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit
• fault memory cannot be deleted

In an emergency, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may then not trigger. An intermittent fault is just as important as one that is shown constantly. Take the warning seriously and have the system checked.

Which vehicles is the 98221VA220 fitted in?

The control unit 98221VA220 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021). To check whether your own unit is one of them, compare the part number on the label.

The following vehicles are listed in detail:

• Subaru WRX VA (2014-2021)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page. This only confirms that it is the correct unit. Also have the fault memory read out before you remove the unit. Only the result shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or a cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221VA000, 98221VA010, 98221VA030, 98221VA050, 98221VA060, 98221VA090.

How does the repair of the 98221VA220 work?

At the start, the fault memory is read out and the log is enclosed with the unit. Only then do you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Next, you create the repair order online and pack the unit well for sending. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench and repairs defective components. A function test follows, and your own unit is returned to you. If you would like the crash data deleted, get in touch with Airbag24 briefly before sending the unit in.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects. The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit 98221VA220 get to Airbag24?

You send the unit in as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the unit shockproof, so that it survives transport undamaged.